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The Best Gym in Nanaimo, BC

Our Team at Wildewood Training

The Journey behind widlewood Training

The Journey Behind Wildewood Health + Training

Krista’s journey has always been about growth — as an athlete, a leader, and a member of her community. Growing up in Nanaimo, she experienced firsthand both the opportunities and the gaps that existed for athletes in smaller towns. From an early age, she knew there was a better way to support athletes and everyday people in reaching their full potential.

Her passion for sport took her to the national stage, and eventually to the University of British Columbia, where she captained the UBC Women’s Soccer team. Competing at the highest level taught Krista more than just physical skill — it taught her the importance of resilience, leadership, and the mental side of performance.

Rooted in the values of family and community, Krista returned to Nanaimo with a vision: to create a place where people of all ages could access the kind of training, rehabilitation, and support that empowers the whole person. She believed athletes deserved more than just strength and conditioning programs, and adults deserved more than just quick-fix workouts. They deserved a space that nurtures physical health, builds confidence, and creates lasting community.

That vision became Wildewood Health & Training — a multidisciplinary center where athletes, parents, and families can train, recover, and grow together. For Krista, it’s about more than fitness. It’s about creating programs and services that give back, that strengthen the body, sharpen the mind, and grow the spirit of everyone who walks through the doors.

Today, Krista continues to lead Wildewood with the same drive and determination she carried onto the soccer field — committed to helping her community thrive, one person at a time.

Krista Whittaker

Owner/Kinesiologist
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Jalin

Athletic Therapist and Training Coach
Read More >

Debbie

Clinic Manager

Dasha

Training Coach

Ben

Training Lead and Training Coach
Read More >

Eric

Athletic Therapist and Training Coach
Read More >

MacKenzie

Administrator

Anthony

Training Lead and Training Coach
Read More >

Sumisha

Administrator

Angela

Administrator

Real Stories from Patients in Nanaimo

 
 
 
 
  EXCELLENT  
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5 
 Based on 26 reviews 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
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 Chris Southwick profile picture 
 
 
 Chris Southwick 
 
27 March 2026
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
So enjoying the experience at Wildewood Training.  Finding all of the trainers encouraging and knowledgeable for a novice.  I am motivated to work my personalized workout!  Thank you!!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Elizabeth Herman profile picture 
 
 
 Elizabeth Herman 
 
20 September 2025
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Train for Life an excellent program for those who wish to strengthen and condition safely and with guidance. Erin is patient and highly qualified.  The vibe in the gym is low key.  I feel myself getting stronger and stronger each month and I know that this will pay off in the future!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Lata Biju profile picture 
 
 
 Lata Biju 
 
15 August 2025
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
It has been an amazing experience.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Stephanie Burnett profile picture 
 
 
 Stephanie Burnett 
 
6 August 2025
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
My son attends for physio and youth performance training. Both of which have helped him so much as a growing boy and athlete! He loves going, and both have helped him so much with pain management through his severs disease and tendonitis as well as his confidence in himself. Can’t say enough positive things about wildewood!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Kimberly Robinson profile picture 
 
 
 Kimberly Robinson 
 
22 July 2025
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
My U11 daughter has been attending the Youth Foundations program and we have noticed a definite improvement in her movement and endurance during Lacrosse. I can’t wait to see how her off-season training improves her hockey skills!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Jack LaCouvee profile picture 
 
 
 Jack LaCouvee 
 
18 July 2025
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Carleen McPherson is a wonderful, amazing, kind, and thoughtful massage therapist and person! She supports her clients with grace and passion, and she comes highly recommended! ☺️
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Mike T profile picture 
 
 
 Mike T 
 
18 July 2025
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
10/10 staff is friendly and knowledgeable
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 christie Mah profile picture 
 
 
 christie Mah 
 
17 July 2025
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
We’ve been doing strength and conditioning sessions with trainer Ben for our women’s soccer team, and the results have been incredible. The workouts are definitely challenging — he pushes us hard — but it’s exactly what we needed. Can’t wait to see the difference it will make on the field. Ben brings great energy and always keeps the sessions focused and purposeful. We have all enjoyed the sessions, (even when we know we’re going to be sore after!) Highly recommend for any athletes or teams looking to level up their training.
  
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
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Krista Whittaker

Owner/Kinesiologist
Kirista Whittaker is a registered Kinesiologist located on beautiful Vancouver Island in Nanaimo, BC. She received her Bachelor of Kinesiology, completing in 2016. Krista takes in working with many different population.
As an athlete herself, Krista has always had a fascination for the study of human movement and a great understanding of the human body. Krista has been able to take her passion and mold it into the career that best suite her, and industry-leading kinesiologist. Putting people and relationships first, Krista builds on this to ensure positive and effective intervention.
Krista has gained over 10 years of experience working with children who have learning disabilities. She has volunteered at many different agencies including Soccer Dogs, Special Olympics, Active Start and Claro life. All of these programs have given Krista indescribable experience working with children and a keen, unique perspective on intervention. Kirista is able to build positive relationships with the kids she works with, leading to greater interention and development. Kirsta leads with child-centered care. always putting the child first.
Krista is always wanting to learn more and has a constant drive for continuing education. Having her experience and knowledge, Krista has a an innate to break down movements, apply evidence-based practice and correct movements in fun and creative ways. She is able to restore dysfunction and /or painful movement patterns. This assists her in all the populations she works with.
When Krista is not practicing, you’ll find her reading, studying and continuing to build on her passions. Krista also likes to explore the great outdoors and does lots of camping, fising, snowboarding and hiking. When Krista does have a spare second, she often finds herself baking in the kitchen, her specialty being chocolate, peanut butter cupcake.
Certifications
  • BKIN – UBC (May 2016)
  • Advanced Exercise Prescription (September 2017)
  • Advanced Vestibular Rehabilitation (November 2018)
  • Behaviour interventionist (May 2019)
  • Functional Movement Specialist (May 2020)
  • Soft Tissue Release Certification (November 2020)
  • Masters of Science in Kinesiology (ongoing)
  • Strength and Conditioning certification (ongoing)
Where Our Name Comes From
When I first started my health care journey, I wanted to practice in senior health and increase independents living. This passion stemmed from my realizing how lucky I was to have all my grandparents alive and well for my childhood. I was even luckier to have two strong, intelligent, whole-hearted grandmas by my side. This is where the name comes from, Wild being my grannies maiden name and wood being my grandmas. Having their strength, wit and love fuelling me everyday

Jalin

Athletic Therapist and Training Coach 

Jalin Couper is a registered Athletic Therapist here in Nanaimo, British Columbia. She received her Bachelor of Athletic and Exercise Therapy at Camosun College in 2017. Prior to that, she completed her Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics at St. Francis Xavier University in 2014. Her passion is getting everyone back to doing what they love from gardening to rec soccer to national competitions.
Her passion for athletics started at an early age, playing a variety of sports. It was a rare night that she was not at some sporting events or another. To this day not much has changed, now instead of wearing a jersey she is there providing medical care for athletes of all skill levels, keeping them an the field of play. He eagerness to help people return to sport/activity cam from dealing with her own injuries which fueled her desire to learn more about the human body along with the best ways to rehabilitate post-injury.
Over the post 10 years, Jalin has been working with a variety of athletes from all skill levels and ages. She works with team like VI Raiders Football to Sr.B Men’s Timbermen Lacrosse to Rugby Canada’s Youth and Senior National teams.
Jalin’s treatment plans are very hands-on and personalized to the specific needs of the clinet. She will be with you every step of the way from injury through clinical rehabilitation back to a full return to play or activity, till you have reached your goals.
When not in the clinic you can find Jalin lacing up the skates at the rink exploring the forests with her pup Nikko.

Ben

Training Lead and Training Coach
Benjamin was born and raised in Nanaimo, where his lifelong love of sports began. Growing up, he could always be found on the field or court — football, volleyball, basketball, soccer – you name it, he played it. That passion for movement and performance led him to pursue a Bachelor of Kinesiology at Vancouver Island University, where he deepened his understanding of movement, training, and overall health.
He has also spent time coaching community volleyball and basketball in Nanaimo, experiences that reinforced how rewarding it is to help others grow through sport and fitness.
Benjamin believes that everyone deserves the chance to live a healthy, active lifestyle regardless of age, background, or starting point. His goal is to help each client move better, feel stronger, and build confidence both inside and outside the gym.

Eric

Athletic Therapist and Training Coach
Eric completed his Bachelor of Science in Athletic Therapy at the University of Winnipeg in 2023 and became a Canadian Certified Athletic Therapist that same year.
He has worked in clinical private practice, rehabilitating people of all ages, regardless of their athletic ability, as well in the field with athletes. Eric has been the Head Athletic Therapist with the Windsor Express of the Basketball Super League from 2023-2026 and the Essex Ravens Football Club in 2024. He has also helped as a fill in therapist with the Windsor Spitfires of the OHL and support of local events for Special Olympics Ontario.
While completing his schooling in Manitoba, Eric had the opportunity to work with the University of Winnipeg Wesman Volleyball; FC Lions of Manitoba Premier Division Soccer; Manitoba Wombats Men’s Rugby; and Manitoba Women’s Provincial Rugby.
Outside of work, Eric can be found watching soccer and hockey, roller blading, visiting local coffee shops (any suggestions are always welcomed) and enjoying the outdoors. Something he is looking forward to learn since moving to Vancouver Island is hanging 10 while surfing.

Anthony

Training Lead and Training Coach
Born and raised in Nanaimo, BC, Anthony grew up exploring a wide range of sports, from soccer and tae kwon do to sprint kayaking and fencing. Despite this early exposure to athletics, he spent much of high school embracing a quieter, more academically focused lifestyle. That trajectory shifted in his senior year when he was encouraged to join the local football team. Realizing the need to build strength to compete safely, he discovered the weight room, an environment that quickly transformed a practical necessity into a lifelong passion and, ultimately, a career.
As a Strength & Conditioning Coach supporting both the Health and Youth Performance programs, Anthony brings more than a decade of experience in sport and performance training. Over the past 12 years, he has trained extensively in powerlifting, eventually representing Team Canada on the international stage, and has also competed nationally in Olympic Weightlifting.
Anthony’s coaching philosophy centers on mastery of fundamental movement patterns, emphasizing that strong foundations are essential for long-term development, injury prevention, and athletic performance. He firmly believes that exercise is medicine, a powerful tool that enhances physical capability, supports mental well-being, and improves overall quality of life.
Dedicated to helping individuals reach their goals, Anthony focuses on providing effective, efficient, and evidence-informed guidance. Whether someone is building confidence in the gym, improving their health, or advancing as an athlete, he strives to ensure each person’s journey is both successful and sustainable.

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